Government supports and will support social enterprises

OQ.178/2024

ORAL QUESTION FOR TUESDAY 1st OCTOBER 2024

Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity will ask the following question of the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development –

"In relation to Social Enterprises, will the Minister advise what Government support currently exists, what future support, if any, is being considered, how Social Enterprise status is verified, and how any impact is measured?"

Answer

Government support for social enterprises has historically been ad hoc across various departments.

In order to better coordinate government support my ministerial delivery plan includes the commitment to develop a social enterprise framework and pilot elements of the framework in 2024.

We are working with Jersey Business on the pilot and there is now an open call through their website for businesses to submit an expression of interest to join the SEE (Social, Environmental and Economic) Enterprise Pathway.

A SEE Enterprise is defined as a business endeavour or project which is currently or has the future potential to contribute holistically to multiple Island Outcome Indicators across the economic, social and environmental categories – whilst generating at least 51% of its income from trading activity.

The purpose of the SEE Enterprise Pathway is to provide a comprehensive framework of support to make it easier to startup, develop and scale businesses that will have a positive impact on the Jersey community and environment.

Once a business has received SEE Accreditation, they will gain access to benefits including:

• Business support.

• Membership of a network of social entrepreneurs.

• Social enterprise training.

• Guidance through regulatory processes.

• Access to subsidies and forms of financial support.

• Structured introductions to investors.